Thursday, June 16, 2011

Magnets, Magnets and More Magnets!

After I posted my "Vent Turned Into Photo Holder" project last week (posted here), I got a few e-mails asking what kind of magnets and glue I used on the hinge magnets I made for that project.

The magnets I use are from Walmart and come 50 to a package for $5.99. They are pretty strong magnets and work well for most of the pieces I want to turn into magnets (and the price is right too).

The adhesive I use is Scotch Maximum Strength Adhesive. There are a lot of adhesives that I'm sure would work, this just happens to be the one that I have had good luck with.

Since I had both the magnetic buttons and adhesive out I decided to scour my studio and find some things to turn into fun magnets. If an object has a flat back that the magnetic button can be adhered to and it isn't too heavy, it will make a great magnet.

Here are some of the magnets I came up with:

More hardware....this time an old slide lock.

An old wood handled stamp.

Metal stencils.

Old game pieces.

A watch face.

A decorated key.

Vintage earrings.

Old locks.

To give you a better idea of the size of the locks, here's a larger photo of the locks on my "model", a vintage metal suitcase.

For the seamstress of the family I made some sewing related magnets.

A small vintage doily and a button.

A zipper pull.

And the tops sawed off of old wood spools.

And last, but not least, a 1" piece from an old yardstick.

After I cut the old yardsticks for my yardstick star project (posted here) I was left with a 1" piece from each yardstick. The pieces were sitting on my workbench and magnets were a perfect use.

I have to admit, it got a little addictive looking for things to turn into magnets.

So, funny!! I too, am addicted to turning things into magnets. I've been creating vintage jewelry magnets for a while and selling them in my etsy store, but the other day, I made a bunch out of old keys some vintage game pieces, an old slide lock and buttons!!!! I wish I could say great minds think alike...but, you've got me beat on creativity on everything else!

Love it all!! I loved the earrings back when you did those a few months ago. And the game pieces are so cute. But the locks and keys and old hardware are so original. Jane, when are you going to open an etsy store?

About Me

I'm Jane and I'm a junker. In my spare time you will find me shopping for treasures at local flea markets, thrift stores and antique malls or repurposing said treasures into new pieces that I use in my home or give as gifts to family and friends. Somehow the shopping part has overtaken the creating part but I typically have on hand what I need when inspiration hits. I enjoy sharing my projects on my blog and appreciate you stopping by for a visit.